My partner got diagnosed approx 18 months ago after 3 or 4 seizures. He’s been on medication and free from seizure until yesterday when he collapsed in front of our 5 year old. My little boy was traumatised. Anyone any advice?
Also, we are currently on holiday in Mexico and decided not to go to the hospital after it happened as my partner seemed ok just tired. Are you supposed to go to hospital each time?
Hello, I am sorry to hear what happened. My children have all witnessed me having seizures from a young age and it is upsetting for them so I would advise you to listen and encourage your little boy to talk about what he saw and how he felt about it. Be open and honest about his dads epilepsy, answer his questions and try to explain it to him in a language he will understand. Children understand far more than we think they do and I found trying to protect them just created more anxiety around it. Do mention his medication and doctors trying to stop them as this may help too. This is based on what my daughters have told me now they are older, as we have talked about them because for me I couldn't talk about it at the time because it was me having the seizures. He also doesn't need to go to hospital every time unless medically needed, but will need to see his GP when you get home to adjust his medication but he wont be able to drive for 1 year post seizure. I hope this helps and I hope you get on ok as it's difficult for you too. Take care of yourself.
Thanks for much this is really helpful. This is all new to us as a family so just learning how to adjust and deal with.
Hey thereSo sorry to hear about your husband having seizures.
Having them myself they are just absolutely awful!
I have always been told if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes to seek medical advice get checked over afterwards or even call an ambulance.
I don’t have kids so don’t need to do any explaining.
Maybe just try to break it down in simple terms.
I say to my nephew that I have a poorly brain and sometimes it can make me shake
That the doctors are trying to stop it and I’m taking tablets to help.
It’s hard to give reassurance when you are struggling with it yourself I understand.
some one else I spoke to said they said to their kids if mummy starts to shake go and sit on the sofa and hold siblings hand.
I really hope you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. Hubby will need lots of rest and sleep to recover!
Sorry I can’t be of more help. Best wishes to you all x
Hi Cherylha
Its great to see you have already got some useful advice on this page. Parents often contact us for advice on how to explain epilepsy to young children. So, we created a section of our website called Just For Kids. Which is aimed at children your son’s age. epilepsy.org.uk/info/childr...
Most of the time someone with epilepsy wont need to go to the hospital after a seizure. But in some cases it may be needed. For example if a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes or if someone is seriously injured during the seizure. You can read more about this on our website. epilepsy.org.uk/info/firsta...
We also have some information about traveling with epilepsy which I thought might be useful for you to have a look through. epilepsy.org.uk/info/daily-....
If you would like to talk to a member of our team or have any other questions, please feel free to contact us again, either by email or the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.
Kind regards
Rosie
Epilepsy Helpline Team
Thank you so so much for coming back to me.
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